How Sehwag overcame back problem at the Brabourne

The only cause for concern during Virender Sehwag's unbeaten double hundred against Sri Lanka at the Brabourne Stadium yesterday did not come from any opposition bowler but when he clutched his back in pain in the post-lunch session.

But to India's good fortune, the back problem occurred just at the stroke of tea. "It was caused due to dehydration which is natural during a long innings. He's been on the ground for two full days. Fortunately, it was tea-time and the 20-minute break allowed the team's physiotherapist time for treatment. Viru was fine after a vigorous massage, relaxation and hydration. He did not face any problems in the post-tea session," a dressing room source told MiD DAY.

"There's no reason to worry. He's among the fittest batsmen in the team," he added.

Meanwhile, Sehwag got a rousing welcome in the dressing room with everyone saying, 'go for it' (the 400-run mark). Sehwag apparently was too drained to say anything. He accepted the kudos with a smile and raised both arms.

His teammates thought he would get to 400 against South Africa at Chennai in March 2008 but he was out for 319. Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar, who watched the Chennai innings as chief selector, was at the Brabourne Stadium yesterday. He said it would be wrong to ask the dasher to cut down on risks in a bid for the quadruple hundred which only Brian Lara has achieved.

"You can't give any advice to Sehwag. That' the way he plays his cricket and he should play his natural game. If he's there till lunchtime, he will go past 400," said Vengsarkar.